Israel reopened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Thursday, allowing limited Palestinian movement under strict restrictions after a 20-day closure, according to officials and humanitarian groups.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its teams transported 25 patients along with their companions from a hospital in Khan Younis to the crossing. The patients are expected to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment.
The reopening comes as Gaza’s healthcare system faces mounting strain following prolonged conflict and restricted access to supplies and services.
The patient transfers mark part of broader efforts to ease pressure on Gaza’s overwhelmed hospitals. Health officials say thousands remain in urgent need of specialized care unavailable inside the enclave.
According to Palestinian estimates, around 22,000 wounded people and patients require evacuation for treatment abroad. Many suffer from injuries or chronic conditions worsened by shortages of medicine, equipment and medical personnel.
Aid organizations have repeatedly warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Crossing reopens under strict security conditions
Israel had closed Gaza’s crossings, including Rafah, following the outbreak of war with Iran on Feb. 28. The Israeli government agency overseeing civilian coordination, COGAT, said earlier that the terminal would reopen for limited movement in both directions under strict security directives.
The current arrangement mirrors earlier restrictions imposed after Israel took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing in May 2024.
Before the war, Rafah served as a vital gateway for Palestinians, with hundreds crossing daily into Egypt for medical care, education and travel. At that time, the crossing was operated by Gaza authorities in coordination with Egypt, without Israeli involvement.
A ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, followed nearly two years of war that devastated Gaza. Palestinian officials say more than 72,000 people were killed and over 172,000 injured, while roughly 90% of civilian infrastructure was destroyed.
The United Nations estimates reconstruction costs at approximately $70 billion, underscoring the scale of recovery challenges facing the territory.
